The Light Shines On

The light shines on in the darkness…the Lamb is its light 

(John 1:5 Amp. Bible; Revelation 21:23)

The morning began gray and overcast, with no sign of improving. We felt dull and sluggish as we made our way across town to the airport.  My husband was going on a business trip and I was accompanying him.  Fog settled in even thicker as we boarded the plane and taxied onto the runway.

In the cabin, it was obvious we were not the only ones affected by the weather.  Conversations were few, and what comments we heard were muted.  In the air, we climbed higher and higher through thick layers of gray clouds that offered no hope of improvement.

Then, quite unexpectedly, we broke out on top.  Here the sun shone brilliantly, transforming the scene outside the windows. What had only moments before been a sea of dreariness, now glistened with the pristine beauty of new-fallen snow.  The contrast was amazing.

Just as surprising was the transformation that took place around us.  We, like our fellow travelers, sat up a little straighter and began to look around.  Conversations became animated, and scattered laughter could be heard.    Smiles replaced sober expressions as interests were piqued.  The sunshine and its positive effect lasted throughout the remainder of the flight.

Recalling the incident later, I pondered on a simple truth: light dispels darkness whenever they come in contact with each other.  Just as this is true in the physical world, so it is in the spiritual sense.

The Bible reminds us that God is light and in Him is no darkness at all (1 John 1:5).  Only He can relieve dullness of heart, and rekindle a sense of eagerness for life.   Willing and able, He waits to shine His beauty into our lives.  He will lift us out of the soupy fog if we are willing. Though it is more natural to retreat into dreariness than to move out of it, God even offers the ability to do so:

He gives power to the weak, and to those who have no might He increases strength

(Isaiah 40:29)

  

Lord, just as shades of night retreat from the day,
so may the light of Your love chase my darkness away.
Shine in my heart and fill me anew;
make all my life a reflection of You.